The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-12-08


domestic articles of this same class pay
sum at least approximately equal to this
duty.
This reference to the operation of our
tariff laws is not made by way of in
struction, but, in order that we may be
constantly reminded of the manner in
which they impose burden upon those
who consume domestic products, as well
as those who consume imported articles,
and thus create tax upon all our people
1t is not proposed to entirely relieve the
country of this taxation. 1t must be ex-
tensiyely continued as the source of the
governments income, and in read
iustment of our tariff the
interests of American labor engaged in
manufactures should be carefully consid-
cred, as we'll as the preservation of our
manufactures. 1t may be called protec-
ton or by any other name, but relief from
the hardships and dangers of our present
tariff lava should be devised with especial
precaution against imperiling the exist
ence of our manufacturing interests. But
this existence should not mean a continu-
alton without regard to the public welfare,
OF a national exigency which must always
insure the realization of immense profits,
instead of moderately profitable returns
AS the volume and diversity of our ma
tional activities increase, new recruits are
added to those who desire
continuation of the advantages which
they conceive the present system of tariff
taxation affords them.
SO stubbornly have all efforts to reform
the present condition been resisted by
those of our fellow citizens thus engaged,
that they can hardly complain of the sus-
picion, entertained to certain extent,
that there existed an organized combina-
ton all along the line to maintain the
advantage. We, in the midst of cen
tennial celebrations, and with becoming
pride, rejoice in American skill and in
genuity, American enterprise and the
wonderful natural advantages aud re-
sources developed by oentury's national
growth, yet when an attempt is made to
Justify scheme which permits a tax to
be laid upon every consumer and for the
benefit of our manufacturers, quite be-
yond reasonable demand for govern
mental revenue, it suits the purposes of
their advocacy to call our manufactures
infant industries, still needing the highest
and greatest degree of favor and foster
ing care that can be wrung from federal
legislation.
It is also said that the increase in the
price of
DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES
resulting from the present tariff is
necessary in order that higher wages may
be paid to our workingmen employed in
manufactures than are paid for what Is
called the pauper labor of Europe. All
will acknowledge the force of an argu-
ment which Involves the welfare and
liberal mpensation of our labor, which
is honorable in the eyes of every American
citizen, aud,as it lies at the foundation of
our development and progress, it is en-
titled, without affectation or hypocrisy, to
the utmost regard. The standard of our
laborer's life shoul not be measured by
that of any other country
less favored, and they are entitled to their
full share of all our advantages. By the
last census it was made to appear that, of
the 17,392,099 of our population engaged
in all kinds of industries, 7,G70,493 are en-
ployed in agriculture, 4,074,238 in pro
fessional and personal service, 2,934S76 OF
while 1,S10,256 are employed in trade and
transportation, and 1887, 112 are classet
as EN- ployed in manufacturing and mining
For present purposes, however, the las
, number given should be considerably re
duced. Without attempting to enumerat'
. all, it will be conceded that there should
, be deducted from those which it includes
375,143 carpenters and joiners; 2S5,6O.
milliners, dressmakers and seamstres5es
! 172,726 blacksmiths, 1876 tailors ant
tailoresses, 102,473 masons, 1924
Butchers, 81 1903 bakers, 22,083 plasterers
and 1891 engaged in manufacturing agri
3 cultural implements, amounting in tn
aggregate to 1,214,023, leaving 2,633,08
persons employed in such manufacturing
, industries as are claimed to be benetite
by high tariff.
, To these the appeal is made TO saw
their employment and maintain thei
wages by resisting a change. Their
should be no disposition TO answer sue
suggestion by the allegation that they ar
in minority among those who labor
and, therefore, should forego an advan
tage in the interest of low prices for tn
= mojority; their compensation, as it ma
be effected by the operation of tariff laws
should, at all times, be scrupulously KEEP
in view; and yet, with slight reflection
they will not overlook the fact tina
they are consumers with the rest; tina
, they too have their own wants and thos
: of their families to supply from thei
earnings; and, that the price of the nee
essaries Of life, as we'll as the amount Q
their wages will regulate the measure c
: their welfare and comfort.
But the reduction of taxation demande
U should be so measured as not to neces
: tate or Justify either the loss of employ
ment by the workingmen, nor the lessen
a ing of his wages, aud the profits sti
4 remaining to the manufacture
after a necessary ra-adjustmen
should furnish no excuse fC
8 the sacrifice of the interest
of his employers, either in their oppoi
a tunity to work or in the diminution G
their compensation" nor can the worker i
manufactures fail to understand tina
f while high tariff is claimed to be neces
sary to allow the payment of remuner
a alive wages, it certainly results in yer
, large increase in the price of nearly a
sorts of manufactures, which, in a!mos
countless forms, he needs for the use o
himself and his family. He receives q
, the desk of his employer his wages
and, perhaps, before he reache